A platform-based device for vehicle steering systems and a steering system, vehicle

Abstract

This invention relates to a platform-based device for a vehicle steering system, a steering system, and a vehicle. The device includes a connecting shaft. One end of the connecting shaft has a first external spline segment that matches the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft, allowing the first external spline end to be fixedly connected to the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft via a first fixing member. The other end of the connecting shaft has a second external spline segment, which engages with and is fixedly connected to the upper fork via an internal spline structure provided on the upper fork. The upper fork is connected to the lower fork via a cross shaft. The lower fork has an internal spline structure that matches the external spline segment of the steering gear input shaft, allowing the lower fork to be fixedly connected to the external spline segment of the steering gear input shaft via a second fixing member. A mounting bracket is rotatably connected to the portion of the connecting shaft located between the first and second external spline segments. The platform-based device of this invention improves development efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle steering system technology, specifically to a platform device for a vehicle steering system, a steering system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein provide only background information in relation to this invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] As times evolve, consumers' personalized demands for automobiles are becoming increasingly complex. Platform-based strategies have become a key choice for automakers to address market and technological challenges. Through modular design, platformization allows for the development of diverse models on a unified architecture to meet a wide range of customer needs. Simultaneously, large-scale production helps reduce R&D and manufacturing costs, shorten model development cycles, and improve market responsiveness, thereby enhancing a company's competitiveness.

[0004] On the other hand, in the context of globalization, different markets and cultures have varying driving habits, ergonomic standards, and road conditions, leading to differentiated requirements for the H-point height (i.e., driver's seating height). Automakers need to adjust the H-point height and steering wheel position according to the specific needs of their target markets to enhance product competitiveness and user satisfaction.

[0005] In steering systems, the intermediate shaft, as a key component connecting the steering gear and the steering column, has a phase angle that is crucial to steering torque fluctuations and directly affects driving comfort. Given the differences in steering column axis positions in vehicles with varying H-point heights, intermediate shafts need to be of different lengths and phase angles to meet specific torque fluctuation requirements. In some cases, a four-segment steering column, drastically different from existing structures, is even necessary. This diverse design of the steering column and intermediate shaft leads to significant development and logistical costs, reducing development efficiency.

[0006] Currently, the industry has not yet achieved a universal platform technology that can take into account the differences in steering wheel position and meet the torque fluctuation requirements in vehicles with different H-point heights, while using existing steering gears, steering columns, and intermediate shaft assemblies to reduce the number of product categories and improve development efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a platform-based device for vehicle steering systems, as well as a steering system and vehicle, which can accommodate differences in steering wheel position height and meet torque fluctuation requirements in vehicle models with different H-point heights, while retaining existing steering gear, steering column, and intermediate shaft assemblies, thereby reducing the number of product categories and improving development efficiency.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a platform device for a vehicle steering system, including a connecting shaft. One end of the connecting shaft is provided with a first external spline segment that matches the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft, so that the first external spline end can be fixedly connected to the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft through a first fixing member. The other end of the connecting shaft is provided with a second external spline segment. The second external spline segment is engaged with an internal spline structure provided on the upper fork and fixedly connected to the upper fork. The upper fork is connected to the lower fork through a cross shaft. The lower fork is provided with an internal spline structure that matches the external spline segment of the steering gear input shaft, so that the lower fork can be fixedly connected to the external spline segment of the steering gear input shaft through a second fixing member. The portion of the connecting shaft located between the first external spline segment and the second external spline segment is rotatably connected to a mounting bracket.

[0010] Optionally, the outer peripheral surface of the first outer spline segment is provided with a fixing groove that matches the first fixing member.

[0011] Optionally, the upper fork includes a first connecting part, the first connecting part having an internal spline structure, the internal spline structure of the first connecting part being interference-fitted with the second external spline segment to fix the upper fork and the second external spline segment, the second connecting part having two opposing first ear plates, the two first ear plates having coaxial first ear holes, the first ear holes matching the first shaft of the cross shaft.

[0012] Optionally, the lower fork includes a second connecting part, the inner side of which is provided with an internal spline structure, and one side of the internal spline structure is provided with an internal thread fixing hole that matches the second fixing member to thread-connect the second fixing member. The second connecting part is provided with two opposing second ear plates, and the two second ear plates are provided with coaxial second ear holes that match the second shaft of the cross shaft.

[0013] Optionally, the middle position of the mounting bracket is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft segment between the first spline segment and the second spline segment.

[0014] Optionally, the mounting bracket has mounting holes on both sides, which allow it to be fixed to the vehicle body mounting plate via the mounting holes and a third fastener.

[0015] Optionally, the mounting holes on both sides of the mounting bracket are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the mounting bracket.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle steering system, including an intermediate shaft, a steering gear, and a platform device for the vehicle steering system as described in the first aspect, wherein a first external spline segment engages with the internal spline structure of the lower fork at the bottom of the intermediate shaft and is fixed by a first fixing member, the internal spline structure of the lower fork engages with the external spline segment of the steering gear input shaft and is fixed by a second fixing member, and the mounting bracket is fixed to the vehicle body mounting plate by a third fixing member.

[0017] Optionally, the third fastener is a fixing stud and a fixing nut. One end of the fixing stud is fixed to the vehicle body mounting plate, and the fixing stud is threaded to the fixing nut after passing through the mounting bracket. The fixing nut presses the mounting bracket onto the surface of the vehicle body mounting plate.

[0018] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle equipped with the vehicle steering system described in the second aspect.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0020] The vehicle steering system platform device of the present invention has a first external spline section of the connecting shaft that matches the fork at the bottom of the intermediate shaft, allowing direct connection to the fork at the bottom of the intermediate shaft. The lower fork has an internal spline structure that matches the external spline section of the steering gear input shaft, allowing direct connection to the steering gear input shaft. It can utilize the intermediate shaft and steering gear structure of current vehicle models, and the mounting bracket is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft. The upper and lower forks are connected via a cross shaft, thus allowing adjustment of the platform device's mounting position and orientation to connect the platform device to the intermediate shaft and steering gear. Because the upper fork... Connected to the second external spline segment, the phase angle between the upper fork and the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft can be adjusted. This ensures that when adjusting the height of point H, the phase angle of the intermediate shaft can remain unchanged, meeting the torque fluctuation requirements. Therefore, by reasonably setting the installation position, attitude, and phase angle of the platform device, the phase angle of the intermediate shaft can be fully utilized while meeting the torque fluctuation requirements. This maintains the complete usability of the steering gear and intermediate shaft, reduces the number of steering gear, steering column, and intermediate shaft types, lowers logistics error prevention costs, and improves development efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the platform device of the vehicle steering system and the intermediate shaft and steering gear in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the intermediate shaft and steering gear of the steering system in a low-H-point vehicle model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the intermediate shaft and steering gear of the steering system in a high-H point vehicle model;

[0026] Among them, 1. connecting shaft, 2. upper fork, 3. cross shaft, 4. lower fork, 5. mounting bracket, 51. rolling bearing, 52. mounting hole, 6. body mounting plate, 71. fixing stud, 72. fixing nut, 8. intermediate shaft, 9. steering gear, 101. first fixing bolt, 102. second fixing bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0027] For ease of description, the words "upper" and "lower" appearing in this invention only indicate that they are consistent with the upper and lower directions of the accompanying drawings and do not limit the structure. They are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] This embodiment provides a platform-based device for a vehicle steering system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a connecting shaft 1, an upper fork 2, and a lower fork 4 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The connecting shaft 1 has a first external spline section and a second external spline section. The first external spline section matches the internal spline structure of the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 2 of the vehicle steering system, and can cooperate with the internal spline structure of the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 2. It is directly connected to the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 2 through a first fixing member. The upper fork 2 is connected to the lower fork 4 through a cross shaft 3. The lower fork 4 has an internal spline structure, and the internal spline structure of the lower fork 4 matches the external spline section of the input shaft of the steering gear 9. The internal spline structure of the lower fork 4 can cooperate with the external spline section of the input shaft of the steering gear 9, and the lower fork can be directly connected to the input shaft of the steering gear 9 through a second fixing member and the internal spline structure.

[0030] The upper end of the connecting shaft 1 is provided with a first external spline segment. The circumferential surface of the first external spline segment is provided with a fixing groove. The fixing groove adopts an arc-shaped groove that matches the first fixing member, and the axis of the arc-shaped groove is perpendicular to the axis of the first external spline segment. The first fixing member can pass through the arc-shaped groove.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first fixing member adopts a first fixing bolt 101. The inner spline structure of the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 8 is provided with an internal threaded hole that matches the first fixing bolt 101. The first fixing bolt 101 passes through the internal threaded hole and is threadedly connected to the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 8 through the internal threaded hole. The axial direction of the first fixing bolt 101 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first external spline segment, and the shank of the first fixing bolt 101 is embedded in the fixing groove. The fixing groove axially limits the first external spline segment so that the first external spline segment will not fall out of the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 8.

[0032] The lower end of the connecting shaft 1 is provided with a second external spline section, and the connecting shaft is connected to the upper fork 2 through the second external spline section.

[0033] Specifically, the upper fork 2 includes a first connecting part, which adopts a cylindrical structure and has an inner spline structure on its inner side. The second outer spline segment is fitted with the inner spline structure of the first connecting part, and the second outer spline segment is interference-fitted with the inner spline structure of the first connecting part, so that the second outer spline segment is fixedly connected to the upper fork 2.

[0034] The lower end of the first connecting part is provided with two opposing first ear plates. The two first ear plates are provided with coaxial first ear holes. One of the first ear plates is rotatably connected to one end of the first shaft of the cross shaft 3 through the first ear hole, and the other first ear plate is rotatably connected to the other end of the first shaft of the cross shaft 3 through the first ear hole.

[0035] The lower fork 4 includes a second connecting part, and the upper end of the second connecting part is provided with two opposing second ear plates. The two second ear plates are provided with coaxial second ear holes. One of the second ear plates is rotatably connected to one end of the second shaft of the cross shaft 3 through the second ear hole, and the other second ear plate is rotatably connected to the other end of the second shaft of the cross shaft 3 through the second ear hole.

[0036] The cross axis 3 includes a first axis and a second axis that are perpendicularly intersecting and distributed in a cross shape.

[0037] The second connecting part adopts a cylindrical structure with an internal spline structure. The internal spline structure of the second connecting part matches the external spline section of the steering gear 9 input shaft. A protrusion is provided on one side of the cylindrical structure, and the protrusion has an internal threaded hole. The axis of the internal threaded hole is perpendicular to the axis of the second connecting part. The internal threaded hole is used for threaded connection with the second fixing member. In this embodiment, the second fixing member adopts a second fixing bolt 102. The internal threaded hole communicates with the internal space of the second connecting part. After the external spline section of the steering gear 9 input shaft is engaged with the internal spline structure of the second connecting part, the second fixing bolt 102 can be embedded in the fixing groove provided on the circumference of the external spline section of the steering gear 9 input shaft to prevent the steering gear 9 input shaft from separating from the lower fork 4.

[0038] In the connecting shaft, the shaft segment located between the first external spline segment and the second external spline segment is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 5, and the mounting bracket 5 is used for fixed connection with the vehicle body mounting plate 6.

[0039] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 5 includes an annular portion, which is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 1 via a rolling bearing 51. Mounting plates are provided on both sides of the annular portion, and mounting holes 52 are provided on the mounting plates. The mounting bracket can be fixedly connected to the vehicle body mounting plate 6 through the mounting holes 52 and the third fixing member.

[0040] Preferably, the mounting holes 52 on both sides are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the mounting bracket.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] This embodiment provides a vehicle steering system, such as Figure 2 As shown, it includes an intermediate shaft 8, a steering gear 1, a steering column, etc., and also includes the vehicle steering system platform device described in Embodiment 1. The first external spline section is engaged with the internal spline structure of the fork at the bottom of the intermediate shaft 8 and is fixedly connected to the fork at the bottom of the intermediate shaft 8 by the first fixing bolt 101. The internal spline structure of the lower fork 4 is engaged with the external spline section of the input shaft of the steering gear 9, and the lower fork 4 is fixedly connected to the input shaft of the steering gear 9 by the second fixing bolt 102.

[0043] The mounting bracket 5 is fixedly connected to the vehicle body mounting plate 6 through mounting holes and a third fastener. The third fastener consists of a fixing stud 71 and a fixing nut 72. One end of the fixing stud 71 is welded to the vehicle body mounting plate 6. The fixing bolt 71 passes through the mounting hole 52 and is threaded to the fixing nut 72. Tightening the fixing nut 72 presses the mounting bracket 5 onto the vehicle body mounting plate 6, thus fixing the mounting bracket 5.

[0044] The remaining structure of the vehicle steering system can be achieved using existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] The application method of this embodiment is as follows:

[0046] When developing low H-point models, the intermediate shaft 8 is directly connected to the steering gear 9, and the phase angle of the forks at both ends of the intermediate shaft 8 is set according to the torque fluctuation requirements.

[0047] When it is necessary to develop a high H-point vehicle model, the vehicle steering system platform device of this embodiment is introduced. The intermediate shaft 8 and steering gear 9 of the low H-point vehicle model are used. The phase angle of the intermediate shaft 8 remains unchanged. The phase angle between the upper fork 2 and the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 8 is set. The posture of the entire platform device and the position of the mounting bracket 5 are set. After the upper fork 2 is fixed to the second outer spline section, the first outer spline section is connected to the fork at the bottom of the intermediate shaft 8 through the first fixing bolt 101. The lower fork 4 is connected to the input shaft of the steering gear 9 through the second fixing bolt 102.

[0048] In this embodiment, "low H point" and "high H point" vehicles only refer to the fact that the H point height of the high H point vehicle is higher than that of the low H point vehicle, and do not limit the specific value of its H point height.

[0049] By employing the platform-based steering system device of this embodiment, and by reasonably setting the installation position, attitude, and phase angle of the platform-based device, the phase angle of the intermediate shaft 8 can be fully utilized while meeting the requirements of torque fluctuation. This ensures the complete usability of the steering gear 9 and the intermediate shaft 8, reduces the number of steering gear 9, steering column, and intermediate shaft 8, lowers logistics error prevention costs, improves development efficiency, provides a platform-based solution for automakers to offer differentiated products, shortens the development cycle of different models, improves market response speed, and enhances the competitiveness of enterprises.

[0050] In a practical application of this embodiment:

[0051] In a low H-point model, the Z-axis (vertical) height from the steering wheel to the steering gear 9 end is 785mm, the steering wheel angle is 29°, the intermediate shaft 8 is 322mm long, and the phase angle is set at 49°. This corresponds to a 5% torque fluctuation at the design position of the steering system, meeting comfort requirements. When developing a high H-point model, the H-point needs to be raised by 100mm, and the Z-axis height from the steering wheel to the steering gear 9 end is adjusted accordingly to 885mm, while the steering wheel angle remains unchanged at 29°, and the steering gear 9 is retained. Using traditional methods, this requires changing the dimensions of the intermediate shaft, increasing its length to 398mm. The phase angle meeting the minimum torque fluctuation requirement is 24°, resulting in a 22% torque fluctuation at the design position of the steering system, which could easily cause driver fatigue and does not meet design requirements. After introducing the steering system platform device provided in this embodiment, the length of the intermediate shaft 8 remains unchanged at 322mm, and the phase angle remains unchanged at 49°. By reasonably setting the installation position, posture, and phase angle between the upper fork 2 and the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 8 (the angle between the device connecting shaft 1 and the intermediate shaft 8 is set to 29°, and the phase angle between the upper fork 2 and the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft 8 is set to 118°), the platform device is installed between the intermediate shaft 8 and the steering gear 9. The torque fluctuation corresponding to the design position of the steering system is 13%, which is reduced by nine percentage points compared to the original state. While greatly improving driving comfort, it ensures the continued use of the steering gear 9, steering column, and intermediate shaft 8.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] This embodiment provides a vehicle equipped with the vehicle steering system described in Embodiment 2. The remaining structure of the vehicle can be achieved using existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A platform-based device for a vehicle steering system, characterized in that, The device includes a connecting shaft. One end of the connecting shaft has a first external spline section that matches the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft, so that the first external spline end can be fixedly connected to the bottom fork of the intermediate shaft through a first fixing member. The other end of the connecting shaft has a second external spline section. The second external spline section is fitted with an internal spline structure provided on the upper fork and is fixedly connected to the upper fork. The upper fork is connected to the lower fork through a cross shaft. The lower fork has an internal spline structure that matches the external spline section of the steering gear input shaft, so that the lower fork can be fixedly connected to the external spline section of the steering gear input shaft through a second fixing member. The portion of the connecting shaft located between the first and second external spline sections is rotatably connected to a mounting bracket.

2. The platform-based device for a vehicle steering system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the first outer spline segment is provided with a fixing groove that matches the first fixing member.

3. The platform-based device for a vehicle steering system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper fork includes a first connecting part, which has an internal spline structure. The internal spline structure of the first connecting part is interference-fitted with the second external spline segment to fix the upper fork and the second external spline segment. The second connecting part has two opposing first ear plates, which have coaxial first ear holes that match the first shaft of the cross shaft.

4. The platform-based device for a vehicle steering system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower fork includes a second connecting part. The inner side of the second connecting part is provided with an internal spline structure. One side of the internal spline structure is provided with an internal thread fixing hole that matches the second fixing member for threaded connection of the second fixing member. The second connecting part is provided with two opposing second ear plates. The two second ear plates are provided with coaxial second ear holes that match the second shaft of the cross shaft.

5. A platform-based device for a vehicle steering system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The middle part of the mounting bracket is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft between the first spline segment and the second spline segment.

6. A platform-based device for a vehicle steering system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket has mounting holes on both sides, and the mounting bracket can be fixed to the body mounting plate through the mounting holes and the third fastener.

7. A platform-based device for a vehicle steering system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting holes on both sides of the mounting bracket are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the mounting bracket.

8. A vehicle steering system, comprising an intermediate shaft and a steering gear, characterized in that, It also includes a vehicle steering system platform device as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first external spline segment mates with the internal spline structure of the fork at the bottom of the intermediate shaft and is fixed by a first fixing member, the internal spline structure of the lower fork mates with the external spline segment of the steering gear input shaft and is fixed by a second fixing member, and the mounting bracket is fixed to the vehicle body mounting plate by a third fixing member.

9. A vehicle steering system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The third fastener uses a fixing stud and a fixing nut. One end of the fixing stud is fixed to the vehicle body mounting plate. After the fixing stud passes through the mounting bracket, it is threaded to the fixing nut. The fixing nut presses the mounting bracket onto the surface of the vehicle body mounting plate.

10. A vehicle equipped with the vehicle steering system of claim 8.

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